Frequently Asked Questions
This page contains answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about LiensNC. Click on the + symbol to expand each topic's FAQs.
HINT: To speed things up, you can use the keyboard shortcut control button + the letter F (Ctrl+F) when searching for a word or phrase on this page.
Q: What does LiensNC stand for?
A: North Carolina Online Lien Agent System
Q: Why was LiensNC created?
A: LiensNC was created specifically to create transparency and to facilitate the statute in order to help users file Appointments and Notices and search for filings quickly and easily.
Q: Can I make a suggestion for how the site could be enhanced?
A: Absolutely! We are always happy to hear your feedback and are continually looking for ways to improve the system. GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK
Q: Can I make a complaint about the LiensNC system?
A: Yes. Your feedback is very important to us. GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK
Q: Is there a guide for how to use the LiensNC system?
A: Yes. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR HOW-TOS
Q: Can anyone use LiensNC?
A: Anyone can create a user account, which is required to access the online system.
Q: When did LiensNC launch?
A: April 1, 2013.
The contact information for all authorized Lien Agents is:
ONLINE
223 S. West St., STE 900, Raleigh NC 27603
(ph) 888.690.7384
(f) 913.489.5231
[email protected]
Q: What is the "Property" referred to on an Appointment and/or Notice?
A: Property (i.e. Real Property) refers to the real estate that is being improved. (This includes: structures, lands, leaseholds, tenements, driveways, private roadways, accessory structures, pools, etc. and any furnished materials, such as trees and shrubbery.)
Q: What information should I provide as the property's 'Other Legal Description' while completing the Appointment?
A: This field can include any description that reasonably identifies the real property being improved. (Such as, street address, tax map lot and block number, reference to recorded instrument, or any other description that reasonably identifies the real property)
Q: Will my Appointment be required if my project includes a garage, shed or other accessory building?
A: Yes, if the use is incidental to the residence, a Lien Agent if the combined improvements cost $40,000 or more. However, a Lien Agent will not be required for construction of an accessory building being added to the owner's existing, established residence where improvements are being made to the property. (As defined in the NC residential building code . )
Q: If my project includes multiple apartments or condominium units, do I need to file a separate Appointment for each unit?
A: Consult a NC attorney, as this would be considered legal advice.
Q: Are military bases, state owned colleges, etc. exempt from appointing a Lien Agent?
A: The Lien Agent provisions apply only to projects which fall under the provisions of Section 2 of the NC General Statutes - Chapter 44-A.
Q: Is an Appointment required for installation of a mobile or manufactured home on a permanent foundation?
A: Yes, if the combined improvements cost $40,000 or more; inclusive of the mobile home purchase price.
NOTE: G.S. 44A-11.1 amendment. '(a1) (Effective July 1, 2017) Where the improvements to a real property leasehold are limited to the purchase, transportation, and setup of a manufactured home, as defined in G.S. 143-143.9(6), for which there is a current certificate of title, the purchase price of the manufactured home shall be excluded in determining whether the costs of the undertaking are forty thousand dollars ($40,000) or more.'
Q: Is an Appointment required for installation of a pier or dock?
A: Yes, if the combined improvements cost $40,000 or more and are not accessory buildings or structures of the owner's existing residence, as defined in the NC residential building code .
Q: Is an Appointment required for installation of a pool?
A: Yes, if the combined improvements cost $40,000 or more and are not accessory buildings or structures of the owner's existing residence, as defined in the NC residential building code.
Q: Is an Appointment required for construction of or improvements to a church?
A: Yes, if the combined improvements cost $40,000 or more.
Q: Is an Appointment required for a tenant in a commercial lease?
A: Yes. The owner is the person with whom a contractor contracts for the improvements. (For example: the owner who is contracting for the improvements may be a tenant of leasehold owner, such as for a tenant upfit in a commercial lease or improvements by the tenant who has a ground lease. In these examples, the tenant would be obligated to appoint a Lien Agent if the combined improvements cost $40,000 or more.)
Q: Do I need an account to access the LiensNC online system?
A: Yes. In order to login to the LiensNC system, you will need to go through the first time user process and sign up to enter. Your user account will allow you to file Appointments, Notices and/or search the system for existing projects.
Q: How do I sign up to use LiensNC?
A: Click on the ‘Login’ button in the upper right corner of this website. The online system will open in a new browser tab, where you can complete the sign up process.
Q: What are the requirements for creating a user account?
A: Anyone can create a user account as long as they provide the required information, which includes: username, password, email address and name.
Q: What should I do if I receive an error message when attempting to create my user account?
A: Correct the errors that are highlighted in red until you are able to successfully create your account. The error messages will provide resolutions for the issues you’re experiencing.
Q: How do I update my account information?
A: Access the ‘My Account’ link located in the upper right corner of any page once you are logged into the site. This link is located beside the Logout link. In this area, users can update their password, email address, and/or name. Usernames cannot be changed.
Q: What should I do if I've forgotten my username?
A: From the Login page, click on the blue ‘Can’t access your account?’ link. Select the ‘I have forgotten my username’ option, enter the email address assigned to your user account, and click on the Continue button. The system will send you an email containing your username.
Q: What should I do if I've forgotten my password?
A: From the Login page, click on the blue ‘Can’t access your account?’ link. Select the ‘I have forgotten my password’ option, enter the username assigned to your user account, and click on the Continue button. The system will send you an email containing a link to reset your password.
Q: Why am I receiving an Access Denied error message?
A: This could be occurring for various reasons. If you have not previously gone through the first time user Sign Up process, you will not be able to login. One of the most common reasons for receiving this error is if you entered the wrong LiensNC username and/or password. Usernames and passwords are case sensitive, so please ensure your caps lock key is not on. Also, some browsers (such as Internet Explorer) can store invalid login credentials. We suggest closing all instances of the browser before attempting to login again.
Q: Will the system automatically log me out after a certain amount of idle time?
A: Yes, users will be automatically logged out of the system after one hour of inactivity and any unsaved changes will be lost.
Q: Can my login information be stored so that I don't have to enter it each time I visit the site?
A: Although every browser setting is different, most have an option for you to store login information. You might look at your browser settings to find out more about this option. Please remember to ensure proper security measures are being taken to protect your login information.
4Q: Are there instructions for how to file an Appointment of Lien Agent?
A: Yes. LEARN MORE ABOUT FILING AN APPOINTMENT
Q: What do I need to obtain a building permit?
A: The project details printout, which is received after filing, is the necessary component for proof of appointing the Lien Agent. We encourage you to visit our How-Tos for detailed Appointment filing instructions. (Note: We cannot answer specifics for your situation nor do we govern the inspections offices' requirements.)
Q: Do I have to have a user account to file an Appointment?
A: Yes. To use the site, you will need to go through the first time user sign up process to create a user account.
Q: Is my project exempt from filing an Appointment?
A: That is a legal question that we are unable to assist you with. Known exemptions are: (1) improvements under $40,000, (2) improvements to the owner's existing residence, or (3) for public building projects, which are not covered by Section 2 of NC General Statutes - Chapter 44A. If you need additional clarification, you will need to consult a NC attorney. LEARN MORE
Q: Can I modify any information on my Appointment after I submit?
A: No. To protect the integrity of the filing, once the filing has been saved, there is no capability to edit the information.
Q: Can I get a refund for my erroneous Appointment if I realize I made a mistake?
A: No. LiensNC has a no refund policy. There are several checkpoints throughout the filing process to give you the opportunity to verify the information before submitting. Once the filing is saved, there is no capability to edit the information to protect the integrity of the filing.
Q: I accidentally entered my project into the system twice – can I get a refund for one of them?
A: No. LiensNC has a no refund policy. This is an example of why it is very important to verify all information before submitting. Once the filing is saved, there is no capability to edit the information to protect the integrity of the filing.
Q: If I contact LiensNC, can they edit my Appointment for me?
A: No. LiensNC does not have the ability to modify any filing information. Please verify all information carefully before saving.
Q: What if I don't know some of the required information at the time of filing?
A: If you do not have all of the required information for filing an Appointment, you might want to consider waiting to file until you can obtain the necessary information since you will not have the ability to edit the information once saved.
Q: How much does an Appointment cost?
A: The filing fee for an Appointment of Lien Agent is $30 for a 1-2 Family Dwelling and $58 for any Other property type.
Q: Which lien agent should I appoint to my project?
A: Any of the authorized Lien Agents can be appointed to your project. Unless you have a personal preference, it really doesn’t matter which one you select from those listed on the site. All of the Lien Agent's contact information is the same.
Q: What is the best way to file?
A: We encourage you to use the online LiensNC system. The benefits of using the online system are: ease of use, conveniently available 24/7, real-time results, secure processing, less risk of errors, available in your History for future reference.
Q: What's the difference between an Appointment and a Notice?
A: An owner files an Appointment of Lien Agent when they are contracting for improvement of real property. (AKA: Project registration) A potential lien claimant can then file a Notice to Lien Agent indicating they may be working on the project and want to preserve their lien rights. (AKA: Related Filing)
Q: How will I know if my filing was successful?
A: All of your successful filings can be easily viewed in the History area of your account. Unsuccessful filings may be listed in the Cart area and are not successful until they are paid for.
Q: Can I edit my filing after I submit?
A: No. Once you submit, to protect the integrity of the data, the filing cannot be changed or removed. No exceptions!